The victory has moved the champions into fourth in the table, five points behind the leaders Barcelona.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed at the Vicente Calderon.

ATLETICO

Goal

Miguel Moya: Had his feet up for much of the contest, but did deny Lucas Vasquez with a really smart save in the first period. Continues to impress for the Spanish champions. (6/10)

Defence

Juanfran: Always a threat in wide positions, with his forward running and crossing ability worrying the away side. Much more like it from the Spanish international, who disappointing last time out against Valencia. (7/10)

Diego Godin: Man-of-the-match performance from the centre-back, who radiated class this afternoon. Looked entirely at ease as he dominated the battle outside his own box. (8/10)

Jose Gimenez: Brought into the XI in place of Miranda and did not disappoint. Was strong defensively, while it was his brilliant header that set up Suarez for his side's second of the match. (8/10)

Cristian Ansaldi: Did not have much to do defensively and could therefore concentrate on his forward game, with his crossing from wide areas causing Espanyol all sorts of problems. (7/10)

Midfield

Gabi: Was not always involved in the final third of the field, but controlled the tempo from a deep position. Led by example when his team needed to dig deep this afternoon. (7/10)

Tiago: Exited early in the second period, but had already made a major contribution - scoring his side's first with a looping header. Seems to be getting better with each passing season. (7/10)

Koke: Caused the away side problems with his brilliant set-piece delivery, while the Spaniard proved a busy presence in the final third as he buzzed around the edge of the box. (7/10)

Attack

Arda Turan: Not as involved as he would have liked, but still made a positive contribution to his team. Was replaced by Antoine Griezmann on the hour mark. (6/10)

Mario Mandzukic: Had a number of crosses to feed on, but could not really make his mark on the Espanyol defence. Also missed a late opportunity after being put through on goal by Godin. (6/10)

Raul Garcia: Deployed as the closest player to Mandzukic, but did not have much of an impact in the final third. That said, the Spaniard was always prepared to help out his midfield and back four. (6/10)

Substitutes

Mario Suarez: Replaced Tiago early in the second period and made a telling contribution 20 minutes from time when he converted a header from Gimenez on the goal line. (7/10)

Antoine Griezmann: Still has not worked his way into Atletico's first XI, but did his chances no harm at all with a positive cameo. Struck the post late on after rounding Kiko Casilla. (7/10)

Cristian Rodriguez: Replaced Mandzukic after 85 minutes and therefore had little time to make an impact. (6/10)

ESPANYOL

Goal

Kiko Casilla: Made a couple of smart saves, but might have done a little better with Atletico's first goal. Also did not look entirely convincing when coming for crosses. (6/10)

Defence

Javi Lopez: Did his best to offer an outlet in wide areas, but spent much of his time defending the edge of his box. Needed a little bit more protection from those ahead of him. (6/10)

Diego Colotto: One of his side's best players on the day. Went head-to-head with Mandzukic and won the aerial battle with the Croatian. Was unlucky to be on the losing side this afternoon.(7/10)

Alvaro Gonzalez: For the most part, had a solid match. However, the centre-back was part of a defence that conceded two sloppy goals from mix-ups inside the box. (6/10)

Juan Fuentes: Was pinned back due to the attacking runs of Juanfran, but did manage to stem the flow in the second period. Far from his side's worst performer at the Calderon. (6/10)

Midfield

Lucas Vasquez: Easily his side's brightest player. Brought a great save out of Moya in the first period and always looked the one capable of making something happen with his pace and trickery in the final third. (7/10)

Salva Sevilla: Struggled to make his mark in an area that was dominated by the home side. The midfielder's set-piece delivery was also really disappointing. (5/10)

Jose Canas: Did his best to put his foot in when necessary, but did not have enough of the ball to exert his influence in the final third. Needed more from those around him. (6/10)

Victor Alvarez: Deployed in a midfield position in order to protect his back four, and did that job for the most part. However, the Spaniard offered very little down the other end. (6/10)

Attack

Sergio Garcia: Passed up a golden chance for his side towards the end of the first period, before leaving with an injury early in the second. Before that, had been dangerous for the visitors. (6/10)

Felipe Caicedo: Hardly featured at the Calderon. The striker's link-up play was decent, but he struggled with so little service. No surprise that he was replaced just after the hour mark. (5/10)

Substitutes

Alex Fernandez: Showed some nice touches in the final third, but did not really see enough of the ball to make a telling contribution. Had very few targets in attacking areas. (6/10)

Christian Stuani: Spent the majority of his 30-minute cameo on the ground appealing for penalties. That said, his presence did unnerve the Atletico back four. (6/10)

Paco Montanes: Replaced Alvarez just past the hour mark, but really struggled to pick up the pace of the match. (5/10)